Kansas

Illinois’ Victory Against Kansas Should Bring Program Into National Spotlight

Published

1 year ago

September 7, 2024

Press Room

Illinois’ Victory Against Kansas Should Bring Program Into National Spotlight

The Illinois Fighting Illini fans made sure to show support for the football team Saturday night.

In the first sellout at Memorial Stadium since 2016, the players did not disappoint.

The Illini defeated No. 19 Kansas 23-17, giving them their first victory against a ranked opponent in five years. They improved to 2-0, with a game next week against Central Michigan before opening Big Ten play the following week at Nebraska.

The Illini went ahead for good on a 1-yard touchdown run by Kaden Feagin with 9 minutes, 34 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The defense responded by holding the Jayhawks to a three-and-out on the next possession. Quarterback Luke Altmyer sealed it with a completion to Zakhari Franklin on a 3rd-and-12.

The win allowed the Illini to avenge last year’s 34-23 loss to the Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kan. That was more than enough motivation, but the matchup drew national attention because of the circumstances.

Now, Illinois can start looking toward building on the momentum. It can set the tone for the season after a disappointing end a year ago.

The Illini can almost thank defensive Xavier Scott for single-handedly helping them to a 13-10 lead against Kansas at halftime.

Scott had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown to put the Illini ahead at halftime. The next step is the team hoping to build off one of the biggest wins in school history.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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Kansas

Former Kansas high school wrestling coach charged with producing child pornography

Published

25 minutes ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Former Kansas high school wrestling coach charged with producing child pornography

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged with creating child sexual abuse materials by secretly recording minors showering during an athletic competition.

According to court documents, 37-year-old Ryan Brungardt of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.

Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School.

Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament was held at Newton High in January 2024.

Brungardt made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina during the 2023-2024 wrestling season.

Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

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